UNM regents vote to ask state for $1.5M more for athletics

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — University of New Mexico regents approved a proposal asking the state for an additional $1.5 million to help fund its athletics department.

The Albuquerque Journal reports none of the requested funding would be used to try and reverse the recent decision to cut men's soccer, men's and women's skiing, and women's beach volleyball.

Athletics Director Eddie Nunez says the money would be used to improve student welfare, pay for more full-time trainers and to catch up to travel cost increases.

The Board of Regents voted Tuesday to approve the proposal. Nunez says additional sports could be on the chopping block without the new money.